XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

Find Out Exactly What You Should Be Paid

Job Description for Funeral Director/Embalmer

Generally, a funeral director/embalmer carries out funeral arrangements and embalms the deceased. The director will work with families and help them choose plans involving things such as cremation or burial services, memorial services, decorations, and caskets. It is essential to be both caring and highly professional, as customers are always going through a difficult time.

Customer service skills are essential; as funeral services are carried out, the director should be on-hand to provide comfort to the families of the deceased and make sure the services are running smoothly. The job also involves carrying out embalming services and beautifying corpses by applying makeup, dressing, and arranging the casket. There will often be a team of embalmers, so teamwork skills are also important. There may be some travel necessary in order to attend burial services or retrieve the deceased to transport them to the funeral home.

This is often a management position involving the management of staff, as well, so hiring and disciplinary duties may sometimes be necessary. Generally, a few years of experience and current licensing as a funeral director/embalmer are required for the position. There may be minimum physical requirements, as funeral directors may be required to lift heavy objects. A valid driver’s license may be necessary. An associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in mortuary science or a related field is required in order to obtain the licensing needed for this job.

Funeral Director/Embalmer Tasks

Organize the transport of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home and from the funeral home to the cemetery.

Assist families in making funeral arrangements and advise them on the financial obstacles they face.

Prepare and embalm the deceased for interment or cremation in accordance with legal requirements and with utmost respect for the deceased.

File burial permits and complete all necessary paperwork related to the death process.

Properly and safely utilize embalming instruments and machinery in accordance with company guidelines.